California to award $10 million in EECBG funds for energy efficiency projects

The California Energy Commission (CEC) announced two funding opportunities for energy efficient projects, including LED streetlights, for California’s small cities and counties. Funds totaling $10 million will be awarded to applicants for Phase II of the US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. The CEC has already committed or approved $37.3 million in Phase I funds. The CEC also announced the 3% energy efficiency loan program, which can be used to finance energy efficient projects of up to $3 million in value.

The Phase II EECBG formula-based awards will be granted on a first come, first-served basis, as long as the city and county is listed as an eligible applicant. All applications are restricted to projects which reduce fossil fuel emissions, reduce total energy consumption, and improve energy efficiency. LED streetlight replacements and retrofits are included in the list of approved projects. Applications must be submitted to the CEC no later than February 14, 2012. According to the CEC, funds have not yet been received by the state of California but are expected shortly. Guidelines for the block grant program can be found here.

The CEC has also re-opened the 3% energy efficiency loan program. This program provides low-interest loans to California cities and counties for the purpose of implementing energy efficient programs. Cities such as Kerman, Burlingame, Ceres, and Salinas, California were recently approved for $2 million in loans for their LED streetlight installations. For this solicitation, the maximum amount per application is $3 million and there is no minimum amount. Information about the 3% energy efficiency financing can be found here.